Evaluation of optimum foam density for effective design of blast absorbers

Abstract

A first-of-its-kind look-up matrix for determining ideal foam density against a spectrum of blast loads is developed to design an efficient foam-based blast absorber. A numerical study is carried out based on the principle of maximum blast energy absorption at minimum transmitted force. The model used in this study is developed using quasi-static compression test data. Comprehensive shock tube experiments are carried out on sandwich samples and the numerical model is validated against experimental results. This validated model is then applied to evaluate the performance of sandwich panels with varying foam densities under a range of blast loads.